[ODDS and EVENS] Expect an Exciting, Drama-Filled B.League Season

Prediction: Yokohama B-Corsairs Continue Ascension

As for the aforementioned parity, 12 of 24 clubs finished in the 22-to-33-win range.

At the top of that list: the Yokohama B-Corsairs (33-27).

My prediction: The B-Corsairs will make a run at 40 wins this season. Rising star Yuki Kawamura flourished in the FIBA Basketball World Cup for Japan, gaining valuable international experience and bolstering his on-court confidence as a player. He'll be the biggest difference-maker for Yokohama.

Kawamura, the reigning B.League MVP, is only 22 years old. But his dynamic playmaking skills, bold forays to the basket along with a solid shooting touch are impactful. Competing for Akatsuki Japan in Okinawa gave Kawamura important one-on-one tests and opportunities to gain greater understanding of how to thrive against any opponent.

In 2021-22, the B-Corsairs went 22-35. Now, a winning foundation has been established.

Scott Has Big Ambitions for the B-Corsairs

Expect Yokohama to be one of the B.League's most compelling squads to follow this season. The addition of big man Josh Scott, a title winner with the Brex, gives the club a key inside anchor. A former University of Colorado player, Scott averaged 11.7 points and 10.0 rebounds for Utsunomiya last season.

"I am excited to be joining the Yokohama B-Corsairs organization," Scott said in a statement in June. "Together we have a chance to do great things. Looking forward to working with the organization, the staff and my teammates."

Plenty of Room for Improvement

In the 2022-23 campaign, the following teams also won between 22 and 33 games: Kyoto Hannaryz and Fighting Eagles Nagoya (identical 22-38 records), San-en NeoPhoenix and Ibaraki Robots (23-37), SeaHorses Mikawa and Osaka Evessa (27-33), Sunrockers Shibuya (28-32), Shinshu Brave Warriors (29-30), Gunma Crane Thunders and Akita Northern Happinets (29-31) and Utsunomiya Brex (32-28).

Find Ed on JAPAN Forward's dedicated website, SportsLook.[Japan Sports Notebook] on Sundays, [Odds and Evens] during the week, and X (formerly Twitter) ＠ed_odeven.